Fall Back

Kabanata 1: Night of the D'élégant

                      Wilzen's P.O.V

"Congratulations hija! Another great job!" bulong ni Papa sa akin. Kitang-kita ko kung gaano siya kasaya habang pinapanuod ang fashion event na ako mismo ang nag organized. Conceited may it sound, pero sanay na ako sa compliments na natatanggap ko mula sa mga taong nakapaligid sa akin. I guess, having an Elarco's name is another reason. Isa kami sa nagmamay-ari ng kumpanya na may pinakamalaking market pagdating sa fashion industry, ang D'élégant, kaya hindi na nakakapagtakang marami ang humahanga sa pamilya namin.

"Of course! I'm your daughter. " pabiro kong sagot.

It's 11:30 pm already pero buhay na buhay pa din ang mga manunuod. All of them are part of the social class composed of the wealthiest members of the society including the most renowned fashion designers and business men. Di na ko magtataka kung bukas eh laman na naman ng mga tabloids online ang pangalang Elarco dahil sa event na ito besides, halos buong buhay ko na ata eh umiikot sa mga business meetings, conferences, and tv appearances.

"And now for the final walk, presenting the D'élégant's newest designs!"

Kasabay ng masiglang tugtog ng event, sunod-sunod na nagpakitang gilas sa pagrampa ang mga modelo suot ang naggagandahang free flowing dresses, off shoulder frills blouse, back slit bodysuits, jumpsuits at playsuits.

"Gwenn fits perfectly on that suits. Glad that you chose her as one of our models for this night."

Muntik na akong mahulog sa kinauupuan ko sa sinabing iyon ni Papa. If only my father would know what role Gwenn is playing in my life, I don't think he would still be able to say that words.

"Yes, she's perfect. She really is." sabi ko habang nakangiti. She looks hot yet classy on that black slit bodysuit na ako mismo ang nagdesign. Sa bawat paghakbang nya, hindi ko maiwasang huwag pagmasadan ang kabuuan nya. Gwenn is a half British woman, tall and indeniably beautiful. No wonder kung bakit halos lahat ng lalaking modelo sa kumpanya namin eh nahuhumaling sa kanya, little did they know that Gwenn is not into men.

At exactly 1:30 am, sa wakas natapos din ang event. People are sending their congratulatory messages as usual, from my co-designers and of course, my avid fans na walang ginawa kundi i-tag ako sa mga post nila. I sometimes find it annoying pero iniisip ko na lang it will add up the company's branding. Hindi ko na din nagawang makaiwas sa press ng salubungin nila ako palabas ng hallway.

"Being the hottest name in the field of the fashion industry, how do you see yourself progress more in this field?"

"Well, as I've always say, we always keep our clothing line innovative and fresh. Our top priority is to identify consumer trends meaning, our team is continuously researching not only what consumers want now but also what they are likely to want in the future. From this, I know that the D'elégant won't just be staying on top of trends, we'll be inititating them."

"Wilzen honey, I have to go. Ikaw na ang bahala dito. I'll just send you Mr. Tabellen para masundo ka mamaya." sabi ni Papa nang makalapit siya sa akin matapos ang interview ko. Family driver namin yun, si Mr. Tabellen.

"No need Pa. I'll just drive myself and better not to wait for me. Sa condo ako mag-istay mamaya."

Nakita ko sa mukha niya ang pagtataka but still he ended up saying "Okay. Just take care." then he kissed me on my forehead.